Reuben James - Champagne Kisses

Rufio Records

£21.58

Format: LP
Catalogue No.: RUFIO020
Release Date: 22 Dec 2023
Genre: Soul

Today Reuben James releases his first full-length album, Champagne Kisses. Alongside the much anticipate release, the acclaimed Birmingham-born singer and pianist has also announced a six-date UK tour which kicks off in Bristol on October 31st before travelling to Birmingham, Leeds, Brighton, Manchester and London.

Recorded with bassist and producer Carrtoons in California, Champagne Kisses showcases James’ inimitable mix of jazz-rooted soul and R&B and features a host of special guests including Roy Ayers, Braxton Cook, Joel Culpepper, Conor Albert, Ric Wilson and Vula amongst others. Champagne Kisses follows the release of last year’s Tunnel Vision mixtape, which catapulted James further into the mainstream and received widespread support from the likes of BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 1xtra and BBC Radio 2 and Jazz FM.

Reuben James:
“Champagne Kisses is an album for people who love songwriting, harmony and groove. It’s essentially a classic RnB/soul album that I’ve put my own fresh spin on. The sweet jazz voicings, sophisticated harmony and hard-hitting rhythms pay homage to my jazz upbringing, and, as always, I’ve pulled in some of the best musicians and artists in the world to ensure the record is as beautiful and eargasmic as possible!”

James’ well-known infectious magnetism across the industry is evidenced by the long list of artists lining up to collaborate with him. From arena-filling superstars such as Stormzy and Sam Smith to the likes of Herbie Hancock, Lang Lang, Marcus Mumford and Disclosure, It’s these collaborations, blended with influences from the likes of Frank Ocean, D’Angelo, Erykah Badu and Robert Glasper, that have led to James developing a unique sound and style of his own, enabling him to emerge as one of UK music’s most interesting voices.

The UK concerts are part of an extensive European tour which will include shows in France, Denmark, Belgium, Holland and Germany and will see the band perform music from across James’ expansive back catalogue, which has now amassed in excess of 50 million plays across all platforms.

Also featuring: Roy Ayers, Vula, Joel Culpepper and many more.

Tracklisting
Toast (feat. CARRTOONS)
Champagne Kisses (feat. Ric Wilson, Joel Culpepper & CARRTOONS)
Means The World (feat. Braxton Cook, CARRTOONS & Gareth Lockrane)
This Could Be (feat. Conor Albert & CARRTOONS)
Love Stoned (feat. House of El)
Sun Goes Down (feat Tom Ford)
Time Will Tell
Do To Me (feat. CARRTOONS)
Satisfaction (feat. Roy Ayers, CARRTOONS, FONVILLE & Basile Petite)
Deep End (feat. Vula)